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The five major NCDs, also known as non-communicable diseases, are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental health disorders. These NCDs account for a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality rates.
The definition of non-communicable diseases or NCDs refers to a group of diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, but typically progress slowly over a long period of time. They are often related to lifestyle factors or genetics.
The main causes of NCDs include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol. These lead to four key metabolic changes that increase the risk of NCDs: raised blood pressure, overweight or obesity, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood).
NCDs have a substantial impact on global health. They are responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide annually according to WHO. This has significant repercussions on global economies due to increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity.
In India, some common examples of NCDs include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases. These diseases have been on a rise due to lifestyle changes and increased urbanization.
NCD prevention and control involves modifying lifestyle choices such as adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular health checks and screenings are also crucial for early detection.
Self-management plays a key role in dealing with NCDs. This means taking responsibility for one's own health through informed decision-making, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing symptoms and disease progression.
Doctors play a critical role in managing NCDs. They can offer preventative care, provide education about the disease, prescribe and manage treatments, and support patients in their self-management efforts.
Several global initiatives are in place to combat NCDs. WHO offers a Global Action Plan that provides policy options and strategies for member states, and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals include a target to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
Early detection and treatment of NCDs can significantly reduce disease progression, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. It is important to have regular check-ups for early detection of diseases non-communicable in nature. Regular screenings can help identify risk factors and diseases at an early stage when they are easier to manage.
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